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"Navigating the Precarious Path: Understanding the Dualisation of the Italian Labour Market through the Lens of Involuntary Part-Time Employment"

Author

Listed:
  • Liliana Cuccu

    (University of Barcelona)

  • Vicente Royuela

    (University of Barcelona)

  • Sergio Scicchitano

    (John Cabot University, INAPP National Institute for Public Policy Analysis and Global Labor Organization (GLO).)

Abstract

This paper investigates the surge in Involuntary Part-Time (IPT) employment in Italy from 2004 to 2019, exploring its impact on various socio-economic groups and adopting a spatial perspective. Our study tests the hypothesis that technological shifts, specifically routine biased technological change (RBTC), and the expansion of household substitution services contribute to IPT growth. We uncover a widening negative gap in IPT prevalence among marginalized groups- women, young, and less skilled workers. After controlling for sector and occupation, the higher IPT propensity diminishes but remains significant, hinting at persistent discrimination. Additionally, segregation into more exposed occupations and sectors intensifies over time. Leveraging province-level indicators, and using a Partial Adjustment model, we find support for RBTC’s correlation with IPT, especially among women. The impact of household substitution services is notably pronounced for women, highlighting sector segregation and gender norms’ influence.

Suggested Citation

  • Liliana Cuccu & Vicente Royuela & Sergio Scicchitano, 2023. ""Navigating the Precarious Path: Understanding the Dualisation of the Italian Labour Market through the Lens of Involuntary Part-Time Employment"," IREA Working Papers 202314, University of Barcelona, Research Institute of Applied Economics, revised Oct 2023.
    • Handle: RePEc:ira:wpaper:202314
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Surhan Cam, 2012. "Involuntary part-time workers in Britain: evidence from the labour force survey," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 43(3), pages 242-259, May.
    2. Nicola Francesco Dotti & Ugo Fratesi & Camilla Lenzi & Marco Percoco, 2013. "Local Labour Markets and the Interregional Mobility of Italian University Students," Spatial Economic Analysis, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 8(4), pages 443-468, March.
    3. Massimiliano Bratti & Chiara Conti, 2018. "The effect of immigration on innovation in Italy," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 52(7), pages 934-947, July.
    4. Borowczyk-Martins, Daniel & Lalé, Etienne, 2020. "The ins and outs of involuntary part-time employment," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 67(C).
    5. Francesco Carbonero & Sergio Scicchitano, 2025. "Labour and technology at the time of COVID-19: can artificial intelligence mitigate the need for proximity?," Eurasian Business Review, Springer;Eurasia Business and Economics Society, vol. 15(4), pages 1167-1203, December.
    6. Silvia Vannutelli & Sergio Scicchitano & Marco Biagetti, 2022. "Routine-biased technological change and wage inequality: do workers’ perceptions matter?," Eurasian Business Review, Springer;Eurasia Business and Economics Society, vol. 12(3), pages 409-450, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Lewandowski, Piotr & Szymczak, Wojciech, 2024. "Automation, Trade Unions and Atypical Employment," IZA Discussion Papers 17544, IZA Network @ LISER.
    2. Piotr Lewandowski & Wojciech Szymczak, 2024. "Automation, Trade Unions and Involuntary Atypical Employment," IBS Working Papers 02/2024, Instytut Badan Strukturalnych.

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    JEL classification:

    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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